ARIA’S POV

As we stepped into the dark alley, I shoved the person and pulled out the pocket knife I kept strapped to my thigh. And please, don’t ask why I have a knife with me. I raised it, ready to strike—then froze when I saw who it was.

“Tom?” I breathed, shocked. He was the last person I expected to see.

“Greetings, Milady. I didn’t mean to frighten you,” he said quickly.

“Try that again and I’ll make use of this knife,” I warned, lowering it but not relaxing. A ...